Member postings for David Howard

Alfie, I've taken a photo of the motor nameplate and a shot of my VFD and control switches, the big round button is an emergency stop. From the motor pic it definitely looks like I made a new mounting plate, but it was a no brainer. The VFD is an SEW Eurodrive, made in UK. I don't know how to add pics so I have put them up here: http://imgur.com/2yMaMIn and http://imgur.com/qy5AVWZ. Hope this helps.

Cheers, Dave.

Hi Alfie, I fitted a three phase motor and a VFD to my 9X20 (in late 2012 I think), it works well - should have done it ages ago. VFD is a Movitrac LTE B 0.75kW (1HP) 200-240V. Sorry, I don't know what model motor I used as it's hidden behind the lathe and hard to see, all I know is that it is a 550W three phase with the same shaft size as the original. I can't remember if I made a new mounting plate for it or just re-drilled the existing one. I will have a look when I go out to my shed tomorrow and see if I can get more details for you. I bought the VFD and motor as a package from an electrical shop in Fyshwick, Canberra. I didn't have to modify the lathe in any way except for removing the old motor and all its switch gear, the VFD is controlled via an on/off two way switch (FWD/REV) together with a potentiometer for dialling up whatever speed you want and I also have two inching buttons fitted (FWD/REV again). It is programmable and I have it set so that I can switch to a preprogrammed low speed for screw cutting.

Cheers,

Dave.

Posted by wotsit on 13/01/2012 20:20:58:

Despite my dislike of modding machines , I can strongly recommend fitting a 1 to 1.5 HP 3 phase motor driven by a VFD. I did this soon after getting my machine, because I soon got sick of changing belts and gears around. It also allows you to dump the slow speed drive, and the belt tensioner lever, and I have control down to 'inching' speeds, reversing and many other useful functions. Its not cheap, but I reckon its saved me hours of fiddling about.

Hi Wotsit,

I want to replace the stock motor on my 9 x 20, can you please let me know what motor and VFD you fitted to yours?

Specifically, I need to know the motor specifications and make, and the VFD make and model.

All I know about the stock motor is that it is a 550Watt, single phase, 240V, 1500RPM but I don't know what style of mounting foot it has (could be a B3 or a B3/B5?) and what diameter and length the shaft is.

I can't take the motor off at the moment to check those details as the lathe is in store pending installation in my new shed when it's finished. I'm hoping to get a direct physical replacement so I can just bolt it straight on without any messing around.

Did you have to modify the lathe motor pulley to fit the new motor? Did you retain the original gear train?

Many thanks,
Dave.